AFTER 108 years, the newsagents, M & J Thornton at 90 Park Road, Sale, has closed

Mark Thornton, 55, has worked there since leaving school, aged 16, 40 years ago. He became the owner when his parents, Tom and Irene Thornton retired in 1990.

The business has been passed down through the female side of the family since Mark’s Great, Great uncle, Jack Bromiley took over in 1910.

Mark said: “I have enjoyed working with lots of different people from the community.”

He and his wife Joanne, who has helped since they were married, 25 years ago, are serving people who first came in as children and are now bringing in their own children.

The attraction for kids has always been, and remains, the children’s one penny tray where they can buy sweets at lp each.

"The downside is that online has knocked the newspaper industry for us. Also, there is no break. It is eight years since Joanne and I had a proper holiday,” said Mark.

Upon retirement, the pair plan to buy a motor home and go travelling.